bims-raghud Biomed News
on RagGTPases in human diseases
Issue of 2024‒08‒11
three papers selected by
Irene Sambri, TIGEM



  1. Cells. 2024 Jul 30. pii: 1283. [Epub ahead of print]13(15):
      The term "Cardiorenal Syndrome" (CRS) refers to the complex interplay between heart and kidney dysfunction. First described by Robert Bright in 1836, CRS was brought to its modern view by Ronco et al. in 2008, who defined it as one organ's primary dysfunction leading to secondary dysfunction in the other, a view that led to the distinction of five different types depending on the organ of primary dysfunction and the temporal pattern (acute vs. chronic). Their pathophysiology is intricate, involving various hemodynamic, neurohormonal, and inflammatory processes that result in damage to both organs. While traditional biomarkers have been utilized for diagnosing and prognosticating CRS, they are inadequate for the early detection of acute renal damage. Hence, there is a pressing need to discover new biomarkers to enhance clinical outcomes and treatment approaches.
    Keywords:  acute kidney injury; biomarkers; cardiorenal syndrome; chronic kidney disease; heart failure
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13151283
  2. Adv Clin Chem. 2024 ;pii: S0065-2423(24)00102-1. [Epub ahead of print]122 115-139
      Over the last four decades, cardiac natriuretic peptides have changed our understanding of patients with chronic heart failure. From the discovery of the heart as an endocrine organ with its own hormones and receptors, the biochemistry and physiology of the system have been translated into useful biomarkers and drug targets in cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this review is to provide medical researchers not working in the field with a simple introduction to the system and its molecular components, its quantitative methods, and its physiology and pathophysiology. The hope is that this overview may help to broaden the knowledge of the endocrine heart with the intent that researchers in other areas of medical research will be inspired to seek new facets of the system, both in translational science and in clinical practice.
    Keywords:  ANP; BNP; CNP; Cardiac disease; Diagnostics; Heart failure; Natriuretic peptides
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acc.2024.06.009
  3. Int J Biol Sci. 2024 ;20(10): 3710-3724
      Lipid homeostasis is crucial for proper cellular and systemic functions. A growing number of studies confirm the importance of lipid homeostasis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Lipotoxicity caused by imbalance in renal lipid homeostasis can further exasperate renal injury. Large lipid deposits and lipid droplet accumulation are present in the kidneys of DKD patients. Autophagy plays a critical role in DKD lipid homeostasis and is involved in the regulation of lipid content. Inhibition or reduction of autophagy can lead to lipid accumulation, which in turn further affects autophagy. Lipophagy selectively recognizes and degrades lipids and helps to regulate cellular lipid metabolism and maintain intracellular lipid homeostasis. Therefore, we provide a systematic review of fatty acid, cholesterol, and sphingolipid metabolism, and discuss the responses of different renal intrinsic cells to imbalances in lipid homeostasis. Finally, we discuss the mechanism by which autophagy, especially lipophagy, maintains lipid homeostasis to support the development of new DKD drugs targeting lipid homeostasis.
    Keywords:  Autophagy.; Diabetic kidney disease; Lipid homeostasis; Lipotoxicity
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.95216